Egypt offers a free 15-day entry stamp for the Sinai Peninsula – no visa, no fees, no pre-application needed. If you are flying into Sharm El Sheikh and staying within Sinai (including Dahab, Nuweiba, Taba, and St. Catherine), you can skip the visa line entirely and get a free “Sinai Only” stamp at immigration. This stamp lets you enjoy the Red Sea coast and desert landscapes of the Sinai Peninsula without paying the standard $25-$30 visa fee.
However, this free permit comes with a strict geographic restriction: you cannot travel to Cairo, Luxor, Alexandria, Hurghada, or anywhere else on the Egyptian mainland. If you want to explore beyond Sinai, you will need a full Egyptian visa.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the Egypt Sinai permit – how to get it, where it works, and how to upgrade if your plans change.
What Is the Egypt Sinai Permit?
The Sinai permit (officially called the “Sinai entry permission stamp”) is a free immigration stamp that Egypt grants to most nationalities arriving at Sharm El Sheikh International Airport. It was introduced to promote tourism to the Sinai Peninsula’s resort towns.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| **Official name** | Sinai entry permission stamp |
| **Cost** | Free |
| **Duration** | Up to 15 days |
| **Where you can go** | Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, Taba, St. Catherine |
| **Where you cannot go** | Cairo, Luxor, Alexandria, Hurghada, Aswan – all mainland Egypt |
| **Pre-application required** | No – stamped on arrival |
| **Available to** | Most nationalities (some exceptions) |
The Sinai permit is not a visa. It is an entry permission that restricts your movement to the Sinai Peninsula. Think of it as a “resort zone” pass – perfect for a beach holiday in Sharm El Sheikh or a diving trip in Dahab.
How to Get the Sinai Free Stamp at Sharm El Sheikh Airport
Getting the free Sinai stamp is straightforward. Here is the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Arrive at Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH)
When your flight lands at Sharm El Sheikh airport, you will proceed to the immigration hall.
Step 2: Go to the Immigration Counter
At the immigration hall, look for the signage or ask an officer. You do not need to visit any visa kiosk – head directly to the passport control counters.
Step 3: Request the Sinai Stamp
Tell the immigration officer that you want the “Sinai permit” or “Sinai stamp.” They will stamp your passport with the free entry permission. You do not need to fill out any forms or pay any fees.
Step 4: Your Passport Gets Stamped
The stamp indicates that you are permitted to stay in the Sinai Peninsula for up to 15 days. The officer may ask for:
- Your return flight ticket (proof you will leave within 15 days)
- Hotel booking confirmation in Sinai
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date
Tip: Carry a printed copy of your return ticket and hotel reservation. While not always requested, having them ready speeds up the process.
Where You Can Go with the Sinai Permit
The Sinai permit covers the entire Sinai Peninsula. Popular destinations include:
| Destination | Known For |
|---|---|
| **Sharm El Sheikh** | Luxury resorts, diving, Naama Bay nightlife |
| **Dahab** | Budget-friendly diving, Blue Hole, laid-back atmosphere |
| **Nuweiba** | Quiet beaches, ferry to Jordan (Aqaba) |
| **Taba** | Border crossing to Israel, Taba Heights resorts |
| **St. Catherine** | Mount Sinai, St. Catherine’s Monastery, desert trekking |
| **Ras Mohammed National Park** | World-class diving and snorkeling |
You can travel freely between these destinations by road within the Sinai Peninsula.
Where You Cannot Go with the Sinai Permit
This is the most important restriction: the Sinai permit does NOT allow you to travel to mainland Egypt. You cannot visit:
- Cairo (pyramids, Egyptian Museum)
- Luxor (Valley of the Kings)
- Alexandria (Mediterranean coast)
- Hurghada (Red Sea resorts on the mainland)
- Aswan (Abu Simbel, Nile cruises)
If you attempt to pass through Sinai security checkpoints heading toward Cairo, you will be turned back. If you fly out of Cairo International Airport instead of Sharm El Sheikh, you will face fines and complications at departure.
Key rule: You must enter AND exit Egypt through Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (or the Taba Border Crossing) to use the free Sinai stamp.
Sinai Permit vs Full Egypt Visa: Comparison
| Feature | Sinai Free Stamp | Egypt e-Visa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|
| **Cost** | Free | $25 (single) / $60 (multiple) | $30 |
| **Duration** | Up to 15 days | Up to 30 days | Up to 30 days |
| **Coverage** | Sinai Peninsula only | All of Egypt | All of Egypt |
| **Pre-application** | None needed | Online, before travel | At airport kiosk |
| **Processing time** | Instant (at immigration) | 5-7 business days | Instant (at kiosk) |
| **Multiple entries** | No | Multiple-entry option available | No |
| **Best for** | Sharm/Dahab beach holidays | Full Egypt exploration | Spontaneous trips |
If you are only visiting Sharm El Sheikh or Dahab, the free Sinai stamp saves you $25-$30. But if you have even a slight chance of wanting to see Cairo or the pyramids, get the e-Visa in advance or a visa on arrival – upgrading later is complicated.
Entering Sinai via the Taba Land Crossing (from Israel)
If you are crossing from Israel into Egypt at the Taba Border Crossing, the fee structure is different from flying into Sharm El Sheikh. As of 2026, the Taba crossing has a tiered border tax system:
| Destination | Border Tax | Visa Fee | Total Cost | Stay Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| **Taba only** | $20 | Free (Sinai stamp) | $20 | Up to 15 days |
| **Within Sinai** (Sharm, Dahab, Nuweiba) | $120 | Free (Sinai stamp) | $120 | Up to 15 days |
| **Beyond Sinai** (Cairo, Hurghada, etc.) | $120 | $30 (full visa) | $150 + $20 letter of guarantee | Up to 30 days |
Important notes for the Taba crossing:
- All payments must be in cash (USD) – ATMs at the border are unreliable and frequently empty
- Bring US dollars from Israel (Eilat has exchange offices) before arriving at the crossing
- Border officials may ask you to remove hats, coats, or religious clothing during screening
- Fees have been subject to increases at short notice since early 2026
- If traveling by car, you may pay an additional $100 plus parking charges
For travelers entering Sinai via the Nuweiba ferry from Jordan (Aqaba), a full visa costs $30 at the Nuweiba port terminal if staying beyond 15 days or traveling outside Sinai.
For a complete breakdown of all visa costs, see our Egypt visa fee guide.
Can You Upgrade from the Sinai Permit to a Full Visa?
Yes, but it is not simple. If you entered Egypt with the free Sinai stamp and later decide you want to visit Cairo or other mainland destinations, you have a few options:
Option 1: Purchase a Visa at Sharm El Sheikh Airport (Before Departure)
If you are still within your 15-day Sinai permit, you can visit the immigration office at Sharm El Sheikh airport and purchase a full visa ($30). This allows you to travel to mainland Egypt.
Option 2: Visit the Immigration Office in Sharm El Sheikh
The South Sinai immigration office in Sharm El Sheikh can process a visa upgrade. Bring:
- Your passport
- Passport photos
- Cash for the visa fee
Processing may take 1-3 business days.
Option 3: Leave and Re-enter Egypt
You can fly from Sharm El Sheikh to a nearby destination (e.g., Jordan, Israel) and re-enter Egypt with a full visa. This is the most reliable option but adds travel costs.
Warning: Do not simply leave Sinai and head to Cairo without upgrading your permit. Security checkpoints on the road between Sinai and mainland Egypt will check your visa status. Traveling beyond Sinai without a valid visa can result in fines, detention, or deportation.
For full details on Egypt visa types, see our comprehensive guide.
Which Nationalities Qualify for the Free Sinai Stamp?
The free Sinai entry stamp is available to most nationalities, including:
- All EU/EEA passport holders
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Most Asian nationalities (Japan, South Korea, China, India, etc.)
- Most South American nationalities
- Most African nationalities
Nationalities that typically do NOT qualify and must obtain a full visa before travel include passport holders from certain countries with restricted entry to Egypt. These restrictions change periodically, so check with the Egyptian embassy or consulate in your country before traveling.
For a full list of visa-free and visa-required nationalities, see our Egypt visa-free countries guide.
Tip: Even if your nationality qualifies for the free Sinai stamp, you still need a passport valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date with at least one blank page. See our full requirements checklist for details.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Flying Out of Cairo Instead of Sharm El Sheikh
If you entered Egypt with the Sinai permit, you must exit through Sharm El Sheikh airport (or the Taba border). Flying out of Cairo without a full visa will result in fines and may complicate future Egypt travel.
Mistake 2: Overstaying the 15-Day Limit
The Sinai permit is valid for exactly 15 days. Overstaying – even by one day – triggers a fine of at least 1,600 EGP (~$50) and can lead to complications at immigration. Mark your departure date carefully.
Mistake 3: Traveling Outside Sinai Without a Visa
Do not attempt to visit Cairo, Luxor, or Hurghada with only the Sinai stamp. Security checkpoints between Sinai and mainland Egypt enforce this restriction strictly.
Mistake 4: Assuming the Sinai Permit Works at All Entry Points
The free Sinai stamp is primarily available at Sharm El Sheikh airport. At the Taba land crossing, border taxes apply (see the fee table above). At Cairo International Airport, the Sinai permit is not offered – you must get a full visa.
Mistake 5: Not Carrying USD Cash for the Taba Crossing
If entering via Taba from Israel, all border fees are in cash (USD). ATMs at the crossing are unreliable. Bring enough US dollars before you arrive.
FAQs About the Egypt Sinai Permit
Is the Sinai permit really free?
Yes – if you fly into Sharm El Sheikh International Airport, the Sinai entry stamp is completely free. There is no visa fee, no processing fee, and no hidden charges. However, if you enter through the Taba land crossing from Israel, border taxes apply ($20 for Taba only, $120 for travel within Sinai).
How long can I stay in Sinai with the free stamp?
The Sinai permit allows a stay of up to 15 days. If you need to stay longer, you must purchase a full Egyptian visa ($25-$30) which allows up to 30 days.
Can I visit Cairo with the Sinai permit?
No – the Sinai permit restricts you to the Sinai Peninsula only. Cairo, Luxor, Alexandria, Hurghada, and all mainland Egypt destinations are off-limits. To visit Cairo, you need a full visa (e-Visa or visa on arrival).
Do children need a separate Sinai stamp?
Yes – every traveler, including children and infants, needs their own passport and entry stamp. Children with valid passports qualify for the same free Sinai stamp as adults.
Can I get the Sinai permit at Cairo airport?
No – the free Sinai stamp is only available at Sharm El Sheikh International Airport and the Taba Border Crossing. At Cairo airport, you must purchase a full visa.
What if my plans change and I want to see the pyramids?
You can upgrade to a full visa at the immigration office in Sharm El Sheikh ($30) or leave and re-enter Egypt with a new visa. Do not simply leave Sinai without upgrading – security checkpoints will enforce the restriction.
Which nationalities qualify for the free Sinai stamp?
Most nationalities qualify, including UK, US, EU, Canadian, Australian, and most Asian and South American passport holders. Some restricted nationalities must obtain a full visa before travel. Check with your nearest Egyptian embassy for confirmation.
Can I extend the 15-day Sinai permit?
The Sinai stamp itself cannot be extended. If you need more than 15 days, you must purchase a full tourist visa ($25-$30) which gives you 30 days and covers all of Egypt. You can do this at the immigration office in Sharm El Sheikh.
What happens if I overstay the 15-day Sinai permit?
Overstaying triggers a fine of at least 1,600 EGP (~$50) and can complicate future travel to Egypt. You may also face additional questioning at departure immigration. Always leave before or on the 15th day.
Is the Sinai permit the same as a visa on arrival?
No – they are different. The Sinai permit is free, valid for 15 days, and restricted to Sinai. A visa on arrival costs $30, is valid for 30 days, and covers all of Egypt. If you want to visit Cairo or travel freely, get the visa on arrival instead.
